Graham Taylor - profile

Wednesday 10 March 2004 00:00 BST

Graham Taylor started his management career at Lincoln City, winning promotion from the old Fourth Division with a record points-haul.

He moved to Watford in 1977 and guided them from the Fourth to First Division in just five seasons. Under Graham's management Watford finished second in the First Division and were defeated finalists in the 1984 FA Cup.

Graham moved to Aston Villa in 1987 and success soon followed there as he took them to second in the league in 1990.

England then called as Graham stepped into Bobby Robson's shoes after the 1990 World Cup.

But a disappointing European Championships in 1992 and failure to qualify for the 1994 World Cup saw Graham quit as England manager.

After a three-year spell at Wolves, Graham returned to Watford and guided them to the Premiership.

After announcing his retirement in 2001 he made a shock return to Aston Villa, taking charge at Villa Park for a second time.

But the success he enjoyed during his first spell at Villa Park was not to be repeated and he stepped down at the end of last season.